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Impact of hepatitis C virus on oral health: Clinical lesions, immunopathology, and dental management: A narrative review

delete2026-02-12
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PRE
AI
M
Mario Alberto Alarcón‐Sánchez
V
Valeria Henao-Díaz
L
Lilibeth-Stephania Escoto-Vasquez
M
Melissa Martínez-Nieto
G
Gustavo Eder González-Alvarez
A
Armen Muradyan
A
Artak Heboyan
S
Sarah Monserrat Lomelí‐Martínez
DOI:10.1177/03946320261419189delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
<jats:p>Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major global public health problem. Although it has traditionally been linked to liver damage, several studies have demonstrated its extrahepatic impact, specifically in the oral cavity. Oral manifestations can be considered early signs of infection or contribute to clinical progression. This narrative review aims to describe the oral alterations associated with HCV, integrating the pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical implications for dental management. The most prevalent manifestations include periodontal disease, oral lichen planus, Sjögren’s syndrome-like sialadenitis, and squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. Recent findings suggest that HCV triggers dysbiosis of the oral microbiome, promotes exacerbated immune responses with overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and disrupts the homeostatic environment, thereby promoting the progression of inflammatory and neoplastic diseases. In addition, viral RNA has been identified in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid, which could be considered a non-parenteral route of transmission, particularly important in dental interventions. In parallel, direct-acting antiviral therapy, in addition to achieving virus elimination, could also partially correct immunological and microbial disruptions in the cavity, with favorable clinical responses. Understanding these oral alterations can guide dentists in early detection and improve systemic outcomes.</jats:p>
Keywords:
Hepatitis C virus
Oral manifestations
Periodontal disease
Sjögren’s syndrome
Dental management

Journal

I
International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology
IF:
2.6
Papers:
2.3K
Citations:
3.1K

Organization

Y
yerevan state medical university
Scholars:
49
Papers: 21
Citations: 0
U
university of guadalajara
Scholars:
55
Papers: 22
Citations: 0
N
national autonomous university of mexico
Scholars:
144
Papers: 71
Citations: 0
C
catholic university of manizales
Scholars:
1
Papers: 1
Citations: 0
S
saveetha university
Scholars:
194
Papers: 201
Citations: 0
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